We, the Jesuit Major Superiors of South Asia, gathered for our Annual Conference in Godavari, Nepal (23-29 Feb, 2020), are appalled to learn of the recent communal violence in the capital city of Delhi where at least 42 people lost their lives and hundreds have been wounded. All the more shocking are the reports of the apparent complicity of the police forces in the violence, and the inexplicable postponement of legal procedures for four weeks.

The concerned citizens know that the hate speeches and divisive politics of the recent elections in Delhi, the all-pervasive hate-politics and mob lynching of the last one decade and the attempts to appropriate ‘nationhood and religion’ for majoritarianism would all lead to unimaginable consequences for the body politic. We urge the Central Govt to immediately withdraw the hastily enacted draconian and discriminatory CAA and NRC and initiate a process of dialogue with all concerned.

Meanwhile we invite all concerned citizens, especially the Indian Jesuits and our Institutions, i) to continue serious study and research on the ramifications of CAA and NRC for the concepts of nation, citizenship and the Constitution, ii) to join anti-CAA protest movements whenever and wherever possible, iii) to support rescue works in the violence affected areas, iv) and to initiate reconciliations among peoples and religions.

We pledge to protect the integrity of the Constitution and to preserve the ethos of our nation that was shaped by the founding fathers and mothers of our motherland after prolonged struggles and sacrifices for independence, and has been nourished by sages and saints of many religions from time immemorial. It is a moment of reckoning for India to reassert its soul of diversity, variety and the eternal quest for the Ultimate.

We believe that Anti-CAA Movement will sustain itself as long as it remains non-violent yet courageous, resistant yet listening, audacious yet non-divisive, fearless yet compassionate.

George Pattery,
President, New Delhi, JCSA